Automatic railway-switch.



No. 747,501. PAIIINTED DEG. 22, 190s.

H. W. & C. R. sUMMERs. AUTOMATIC RAILWAY SWITCH.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 30, 1903.

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PATENTBD DEG. 22, 1903.

H. lW. & C. R. SUMMERS. AUTOMATIC 4RAILWAY SWITCH.

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APPLICATION FILED APR. 30. 1903.

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anonima.

UNTTED STATES atented Jeceniber 22,1903;

PATENT OEEICE.

HORACE W. SUMMERS., OF ELYRIA, AND CHARLES R. SUMMERS, OF

NORWALK, OHIO.

AUTOMATIC RAILWAY-SWITCH.

ISPECFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 747,501, dated December 22, 1903.

Application tiled April 30, 1903. Serial No. 154,951. (No model.)

T all whom, it puny concern/.-

Beit known that we, HORACE W. SUMMEES, residing at Elyria, in the county of Lorain, and CHARLES R. SUMMERS, residing at Norwalk, in the county of Huron, State of Ohio,

citizens of the United States, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Automatic Railway-Switches, of which the following is a specification.

dinary switch may be shifted at V'the will of the engineer without stopping the train or even slackening its speed and rafter the passage of the train may be set back into its original condition, so that a passing train, for

which a preceding train may be switched off onto the siding, may be run up onto'ihe main track in perfect. safety. In this connection the invention contemplates a switch-operating mechanism which permits the engineerto automatically throw the movable .switchrails to open the switch VAsufficiently inad- Vance of the locomotive reaching the same and which also provides means for automatically closing or restoring the switch to its original condition when the last car or caboose of the train has passed onto the siding.

A further object of the invention is to provide a switch operating mechanism controlled from the train which may be associated with a switch-stand designed to be operated by hand, should it be necessary or desirable for any reason to manually operate or throw the switch. A special object of the invention in this particular resides in the provision of a switch-stand embodying means whereby the operating parts of the switch mechanism may be actuated for throwing the movable switch-rails, vwhile at the same time the switch-stand remains in a locked condition-against tampering by unauthorized agencies, so that only an authorized person having a key to the lock of the switch-stand may be able to throw the switch-rails one way or the other by hand. geous and practical feature of the present invention, inasmuch as the ordinary types of automatic switches cannot usually be employed with a switch-stand on account of the latter being necessarily normally locked against operation.

With these and many other objects in view, which will more readily appearas the nature of the invention is better understood, the same consists in the novel construction, combination, and arrangement of parts, which will be hereinafter more fully described, illustrated, and claimed.

The essential features ofthe invention involved in the carrying out of the objects above indicated are necessarily susceptible to structu ral modification without departing from the scope of the invention; but a preferable embodiment thereof is shown in the accompanying drawings, in whichy Figure l is a plan view of a section of main track and siding, illustrating a switch equipped with the switch-operating mechanism and switch-stand improvement contemplated by the present-invention.V Fig. 2 is a transverse sectional view of the switch on the line 2 2 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a similar view on This is avery advantathe line 3 3 of Fig. 1', showing more plainly the construction and action of thepreferable form of switch-rail lock to providefor fastening or securing the points of the movable switch-rails against lateral displacement or movement in either a closed or open position. Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional view on the line 4 A of Fig. l, showing more plainly lthe mounting and action of one of the verticallyoscillating transverse tread-levers associated with cach end of the operating rock-shaft which projects into the contiguous portions of the main track and siding. i Figg is a detail view, showing the modification contemplated in the construction of the switch-stand toA provide for keeping the same in normally locked condition against operation ,by hand, while at the same time permitting of the actuation of the switch-operating mechanism from the train. Eig. 6 is a detail sectional IOO view on the line 6 6 of Fig. 5, showing the mounting of the flush-seated switching-handle for the switch-stand turn-post.

Like reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several figures of the drawings.

In carrying out the invention no change is contemplatedin the track orswitch construction per se, thereby rendering the switch-operating mechanism applicable to any ordinary types of switches for heading-in a train onto a siding. Hence for illustrative purposes there is shown in the drawings a scction of main track embodying the main-track rails M M and a section of an ordinary siding S, associated with the main track and including as a part thereof the usual transversely-shiftable switch-rails s, having a throw to and from the main-track rails in the usual manner to provide for opening and closing the switch according as the train is to pass onto the siding S or straight along the main track past the switch.

One of the features of the present invention is to permit of the operation of the switchrails s from a switch-stand at one side ot' a track, so that the switch may be opened or closed by hand, should this for any reason he desirable or necessary, while at the same time providing a switch-stand device which under normalconditions is locked against tampering by unauthorized agencies. To provide for the throw of the switch-rails by hand or through the medium of the automatically-controlled switch-operating mechanism, there is associated with the switch-rails s a transversely-arranged reciprocatory shifting switch-bar 1, rigidlycoupled to both of the switch-rails contiguous to the points thereof which coperate with the adjacent portions of the main-track rails. The said transversely-disposed reciprocatory switch-bar 1, by reason of its rigid coupling with both of the switch-rails, provides for the movement of such rails in unison during the opening and closing action of the switch, and said switch-bar lis extended beyond one side of the main track and is connected to an adjusting-rod 2, which has an operative connection 3 at its outer extremity with the crank or equivalent 4 at the lower end ofthe switch-stand turn-post 5, constituting a part of the switch-stand device contemplated by the present invention. The switch-stand turn-post 5 is mounted in any suitable manner in an upright position within the bracket 6 of the switch-stand, which may be of the conventional form and is designed to sustain or carry in the usual manner at the upper end thereof the lamp or equivalent switch-signal '7, which indicates to the engineer whether the switch is open or closed.

In order to permit the turn-post 5 to turn when the automatic switch-operating mechanism is actuated, while at the same time be prevented from being operated by hand except when through authorized agencies, the

present invention contemplates a construction wherein under normal conditions there are no projections from the turn-post which would permit of sufficient leverage beingimposed thereon to turn the same for operating the switch. Unless such leverage is provided the enormous friction of parts in conjunction with the pressure of the switch-closingspring 8 would prevent the manual throwing of the switch. The expedient resorted to in the present invention for securing the results stated is preferably in the employment of a normally Hush-seated switching-handle 9. As plainly shown in Figs. 5 and 6 of the drawings, the switching-handle 9 simply consists of a straight har-lever pivotally connected at one end, as at l0, to the turn-post 5 and adapted to fit flush within ahandle-mortise 11, channeled outlongitudinallyin onesideottheturnpost. When seated Hush within its mortise 11, the free end of the pivoted switching-handle 9 is adapted to be held locked to the post through the medium of a suitable fasteningbolt 12 and padlock 13. With this construction when it is desired to operate the switch by hand the trainman or track-hand unlocks the lock 13, thereby releasing the free end of the handle 9, so that the same may be swung out of its mortise and be drawn upon to place the necessary leverage upon the turn-post for turning the same upon its vertical axis, and therebyoperating the switch through the medium of the adjusting-rod connection 3.

The switch-closing spring 8 is preferably connected with the adjusting-rod 2 at one side ot the main track and bears at one end against a fixed abutment 8, so as to normally exert its tension or pressure in a direction for holding the switch normally closed and resisting the tendency to open the same. The switch-operating mechanism controlled from the train is likewise associated with the transversely -disposed reciprocatory switchbar l. This switch-operating mechanism includes an operating rock-shaft arranged between and below the plane of the track-rails and extending through the plane of the switch, so as to project a distance into both the main track and the siding. In other words, this main operating rock-shaft bridges the switch, so that it may be operated by a train approaching the switch and also by a train after it has run past the switch into the siding. This main operating rock-shaft may be constructed and mounted in any suitable manner, so it will occupy this location and relation with reference to the switch, the main track, and the siding; but a preferable and practical construction is shown in the drawings, in which the said shaft is illustrated as being constructed in separate sections, which though operating in unison practically as a single shaft, yet may be respectively designated as the main-track shaftsection 14 and the siding-track section 15, arranged longitudinally in suitable boxiugs or chambers 16, provided beneath the ties and IOO y respectively, to opposite sides of the shifting switch-bar 1 through the medium of suitable rock-arm connections 17, preferably in the form of links rigid with the ends of the shaftsections and having pin-and-slot connections 18 with the switch-bar l, whereby the rocking movement of the shaft-sections will be transferred through said links to the bar 1 and provide for the reciprocation thereof to eect the lateral shifting movement of the switch-rails s. Any suitable type of links or bars 17 may be employed, so long as the same provide the necessary rock-arm motion for translating the rocking of the shaft-sections 14 15 into a reciprocatory movement for ac tuating the switch-bar-l.

Referring particularly to the main-track rock-shaft` section 14, it will be observed that the same is arranged centrally and longitudinally of the same track-section adjoining the switch, and the said shaft-section is held fixed in this position through the lnedium of suitablyarranged bearings provided in the ties or in the boxing or chamber which serves as a housing for the said shaftsection. At the end of said shaft-section opposite its rock-arm connection or at the end thereof most remotefrom the switch-railsthe same has rigidly coupled thereto, through 'the medium of any suitable coupling connection 19, a vertically-oscillating transverse tread-lever 20, mounted beneath the plane of the track-rails and operati ng in a cross portion 16a of the boxing orhousing forthe switchoperating mechanism. The vertically-oscillating transverse tread-lever 20 is coupled at its center to the end of the rock-shaft section remote from the switch and is of sufficient length to extend at its end beyond the outside of the plane of the track-rails, and to such ends the tread-lever has pivotally connected, as at 21, the lower ends of verticallymovable push-stems 22, the upper ends of whichcarrytread-plates 23, preferably of segmental form and adapted to be engaged by correspondiugly-shaped actuating-shoes 24, carried at the lower ends of controlling-stems 25, operated in any suitable manner from the locomotive, tender, or other part of a train, as may be desired. Asimilar equipment is provided for the end of the siding rock-shaft section 15 remote from its coupled connection with the switch-bar 1. To such remote end of the rock-shaft section 15 is coupled, as at 19a, the central portion of a transverselyarranged verticallyoscillating tread -lever 20a, carrying at its'ends the push-stems 22a, to the upper ends of which are tted the segmental tread-plates 23a, designed to also be engaged by the actuating-shoe 24, designed to be thrown to an interfering position from the train.

From the construction described it will be obvious that an approaching train from the locomotive or tender thereof may have projected to an interfering position the actuat- `is mounted.

ing-shoe 24, which will come in contact with the tread-shoe 23 at one side ofthe main track, causing said shoe to be depressed, with the consequent oscillation of the tread-lever 2O and the turning of the rock-shaft section 14, which operation of parts elfects an actuation ofthe switch-bar 1 in a direction, for instance, to open the switch, so that the train without stopping may pass onto the siding. After such train has passed off of the switch into the siding the projection of onevof the actuating-shoes 24 from the last car or caboose will permit such shoeto come into engagement with one of the tread-plates 23a of the lever connections with the siding shaft-section 15, thereby causing an oscillation of such siding shaft-section in a direction to restore the switch toits original closed condition. If a signal should indicate that the switch was open, an engineer by operating the tread-lever 2O from the opposite side could close the same in advance of reaching the switch, so that it will thus be obvious that the opening and closing of the switch for main-track and siding purposes is completely under control of the train without stopping the same.

To provide for guarding against accidental displacement of the switch-rail points when the same have been adjusted to their positions, there is preferably associated with the same a switch-rail lock. In the construction shown this switch-rail lock consists of a plate member or members 26, tted to one of the ties of the track over which plays the points of the switch-rails, and adjacent to the maintrack rails the said member 26 is suitably provided with the pressure-locking springs 27, of

at leaf form and designed to have a vertical play sufficient to permit of 'the switch-rail points being forced over the same to either open or closed positions. The vertical play of the ldat pressure-locking springs 27 may be provided for by forming cavities or recesses 28 in the tie upon which the plate member 2,6 In the construction illustrated the pressure-locking springs 27 are in the form of fiat spring-tongues stamped outof the plate 26 and provided at a pointintermediate thereof with the crimps or bends, producing holding-shoulders 29, which are disposed a sufficient distance inside of the plane of the adjacent rails so as to engage at either side of the movable switch-rail points, according to whether such points are in open or closed positions with reference to the adjacent trackrail. Hence it will be obvious that in the movement of the switch-rails the same are forced over the shoulders 29 to positions at the outer or inner sides of such shoulders, so that the latter will necessarily act in the capacity of spring-locks for such switch-point rails in either of their positions. This is plainly shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings, and the construction provides for positively securing the switch-rails against lateral displacement after once having been set.

It will be observed that the construction IIO IIS

described provides a switch-operating mechanism arranged entirely below the ties and whose actuating parts are located outside of the plane of the track, thus presenting no projections inside of the rails which could be engaged by hanging obstructions on lthe train or otherwise interfere with the free passageway of the track.

From the foregoing it is thought that the construction, operation, and many advantages of the herein-described switch will be readily apparent without further description.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed, and desired to be secured by Letters Patent, is-

l. In an automatic switch, the combination with the transversely-shiftable switch-rails, of a train-actuated switch-operating mechanism having an operative connection with said rails, a switch-stand device also operatively related to the switch-rails and normally frictionally locked against manual movement, but operable, through a slip action, in unison with the train-actuated switch operating mechanism, and a switch-rail lock having pressure -locking means engaged with the -points of the switch-rails.

2. In an automatic switch, the combination with the transversely-shiftable switch-rails and the switch-bar connecting the same, of a main operating rock-shaft consisting of separate main-track and siding shaft-sections eX- tending respectively into the main track and siding and both having at their contiguous ends rock-arm connections with the switchbar, each of said rock-shaft sections being disposed longitudinally of the tracks and provided at their ends remote from the switch with a vertically-oscillating transverse treadlever, and vertically-movable push-stems pivotally connected with the ends of the treadlevers and provided at their upper ends with tread-plates for engagement with a train-carried member.

3. In an automatic switch, the combination with the transversely-shiftable switch-rails and the switch-bar connecting the same, of an operating rock-shaft consisting of separate switch-bar connecting the same, of a switchoperating mechanism including a train-actuated rock-shaft having an operative connection with the switch-bar, and a switch-rail lock consisting of flat spring-locking tongues arranged for limited vertical play beneath the points of the switch-rails and provided with upstanding holding shoulders over which the switch-rail points are-forced to open and closed positions.

5. In an automatic switch, the combination with the switch-rails and the switch-bar connected therewith, of a train-actuated switchoperating mechanism operatively connected with the switch-bar, and a switch-stand and signal device also operatively connected with the switch-bar, said switch-stand device including a vertically-arranged turn-post, and a normally locked switching-handle pivofally Iitted to said post and normally seated flush within the surface thereof, substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof we affix our signatures in presence of two witnesses.

HORACE W. SUMMERS. CHARLES R. SUMMERS.

Witnesses for H. W. S.:

HENRY W. INGERsoLL, LEE S. DAY.

Witnesses for C. R. S.:

RALPH S. LEONARD, MARION W. BAcoME. 

